Surface changes on AlH3 during the hydrogen desorption

Abstract

Surface change of α-AlH3 during the hydrogen desorption was investigated by means of in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy combined with thermal desorption spectroscopy. The surface of AlH3 covered by an oxide layer significantly changes upon hydrogen desorption and the hydrogen desorption rate increases remarkably. In this study, the role of the surface oxide layer on AlH3 in view of the hydrogen desorption kinetics was investigated. AlH3 only decomposes into Al and H2 at the free surface and not in the bulk. Therefore, a closed surface oxide layer prevents the thermodynamically unstable AlH3 from decomposition.